A thankful Thanksgiving..

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is over already.  This month has just flown by and I feel as if the rest of the year is going to speed by also.  I am not just using words when I say this was the best Thanksgiving.  Of course, anytime with family is good, but this one just seemed to be extra "thankful" for me. 

Gwen, Tim and the kids always come to my house on Thanksgiving.  They spend the night and then we shop on "Black Friday".  Every year it has been less and less shopping for us.  This year we hit only four stores.  And there were no crowds and very few people out.  It seems that this shopping day may be coming to an end with all the online sales.  We always all go to Doug and Susie's house on Friday, and Doug smokes a turkey!

When you have this happy bunch all together, and a table full of good food, how can you NOT be thankful?

The kids always have so much fun together.  Watching Jimmy and Zeke play together is just so special.  And Anna and Grace always play so well.  I managed to squeeze in a couple of games with Zeke, Anna and Grace while Jimmy was napping.  

One of the girls favorite things to do, is Just Dance.  I got tired just watching them! 

I can't help but reflect on just how blessed I am.  Last week, Doug changed the oil in my car.  He has been making sure that I keep up on all the car maintenance since Ken died.  This time, he washed all the windows on the inside and cleaned and treated the interior.  It felt like stepping into a new car for me!  While Tim was spending Thanksgiving at my house, he was not just watching TV.  He changed out all my old light switches in the upstairs (he had previously done the entire downstairs).  He changed out the very old lights in two closets for LED fixtures and installed new switches to replace the old pull chains.  He also put some new shelves in my laundry closet giving more much needed storage.  He did a few more small tasks for me, that are really BIG things for this senior citizen.   I am just so thankful for my family.  They make sure I am well cared for.   

As I was driving home on Thanksgiving, feeling so full and so loved, I couldn't help but reflect back on the Thanksgivings from my childhood.  I actually couldn't really remember any Thanksgivings until I was in high school!  I think that we never really celebrated much on Thanksgiving.  Last week on Wednesday, I was remembering exactly where I was, 60 years ago - November 22, 1963.  I have very clear memories of that day.  I was in Fourth Grade.  My teacher was called to the office.  When she left the room and told us all to put our heads on our desk.  When she came back, she was crying.  She told us that the President of the United States had been shot and killed.  When we left school that day, we didn't know when we be back in school.  It ended up that we didn't go back to school until after Thanksgiving.  I have clear memories of watching the funeral on television.  It is so odd, to know exactly where you were and what you were doing on a particular day - sixty years ago.  It is those bad, trauma days that we often remember.  

I think this is why it is so important to end EVERY day with thanksgiving for that day.  We need to keep every bit of good and pleasant things, before us, so that we remember the GOOD days more than the bad.  I am very thankful that I have a long list of "Good Day" memories that do balance out those days of trauma.  And I plan to make extra sure that I continue to fill up my "thankfulness" tank with lots of good things.  I love how this verse reads from the Message translation....

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best and not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly, things to praise, not things to curse.  Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard, and saw and realized.  Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.   Philippians 4:8-9

I love thinking about God "working" me into His harmonies!  Isn't that just lovely?  I want to be a part of God's songs!  So I will set about being thankful and focusing on the good and true things, rather than all that is swirling around in the world!  Won't you join me?

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that thankfulness actually help us!  Holy Spirit help us cultivate the habit of seeing the good things from each day.  Give us strength to find that good, even when things seem filled with bad.  Encourage us, Jesus to praise you in our thankfulness.  Help us to be those that spread joy and peace where ever we go.  Thank you for families and friends.  Amen

 

My "Active Senior Lifestyle"......

I really hate when people say they are "so busy"!  As a matter of fact, Gwen and I were recently talking about a sermon from a very long time ago that we both remembered.  Pastor Del said that "busy" was "Being Under Satan's Yolk".  It has always stuck with me.  So I will not say that I have been so busy.  But I will say that our family has had many activities in the last few months that have left me feeling sort of behind on tasks that normally get done. 

Beginning in late September when my family participated in our extended family reunion.  I love this photo from the event that Susie captured of just our family.  This was certainly an out of the ordinary event that was added to our calendar this year.  

October included several things that I have previously blogged - my weekend with Gwen and Tim's kids while they were on retreat.   A trip to both Brookfield zoo and Cosley Zoo.  And there was Halloween.  

I loved watching all of our grand kids hit the streets to Trick or Treat on a beautiful, warm fall Sunday, the day that Gwen's neighborhood celebrates.  Accompanied by MANY friends, no coats were necessary and there were many happy children, full of candy.  

And then winter came to Illinois.  On Halloween (October 31) we woke to plenty of snow.  And it snowed all day.  There were many unhappy kids around who did not get to trick or treat in the warm fall weather.  We only had about 1/4 the number of kids as normal at our house.  During that snowstorm, I was happily helping set up for a conference at a nearby hotel.  Chicago HUB is a ministry that I have supported for many years.  I volunteered to help with registration for their yearly conference so I (thankfully) missed most of the snow.  In spite of the snow, more than 750 people came to worship together and hear some incredible speakers.  

I missed the second morning of the conference, to be with our family to celebrate Lucas' fifth birthday together.  I made this plaque for Doug and Susie and Grace.  I love that we know that Lucas is with Jesus and we will see him again, and we will always have him in our hearts.  

I returned to the conference and spent three more wonderful days getting filled up with great worship and wonderful teaching.  Because I spent time at the registration table, I got to meet so many new friends and also connect with people I haven't seen for many years.  I was surprised to learn that over 400 of the people who came to this event were new to HUB.  There were so many young people and so much energy.  Even though I was pretty tired by the end of this conference, it was so worth it.  

Last week was just a "normal" week for me.  I spent time with Gwen and the kids.  Participated in my Bible Study group.  Watched Grace on Tuesday and Thursday.  Went with Ken to a doctor appointment on Wednesday and had work done on my car on Friday. (I was so glad to finally have the correct part installed so that my check engine light will no longer be shining at me!)  I have been putting the finishing touches on my Operation Christmas Child boxes that need to be dropped off in about a week.  My boxes are always done in honor of Lucas.  Each box contains items that will help six little boys learn about God's love and just who Jesus is.  

The weather has stayed unseasonably cold.  On Thursday, Grace and I made banana bread using my mom's recipe.  It is so fun to watch her experience new things.  She loved to stir and mash the bananas. I love that I can share this part of my mom with Grace and I know that my mom would be so pleased.   It just seemed like good weather to have the oven on!  Yes, winter is upon us.

This weekend has been a wonderful time for me to catch up on so many things.  I spent some time cleaning up my scrap room after packing my boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I ordered some photos printed for my upcoming scrap weekend, and I prepared my album with paper.  I got food shopping done, laundry completed and have actually managed to cook several meals.  Right now I am relaxing to the wafting aroma of chili, simmering in the crock pot. So all is right in my world.  

November is thankfulness time.  And I am so thankful today.   For family that keeps me active and involved in so many ways.  For friends that surround me with prayers, with care and with laughs.

I am thankful for ministry opportunities - for Chicago HUB Ministries.  For united worship with people of all races, denominations, countries and backgrounds.  And I am so thankful for all of you reading this blog.  I never, ever imagined that I could chat with you about my everyday life, even though I have never met you!  I love that I can share about Jesus and how much my life has changed because of my relationship with Him.  It is my prayer that you can "read between the lines" of this blog and know the great grace and love and blessing my family has experienced through Jesus.  I would love to know your story and to hear about your day to day life.  Please know that I love to read your comments and I am thinking about you and praying for you with each blog that is posted. 

Jesus, thank you for showering me with your love and kindness.  Holy Spirit, help us all to know that you are just waiting for us to call out to you.  Give us courage and boldness to share about you Jesus.  Thank you for all the new ways that we can reach the world with your Gospel Message.  Amen

Rain down on us.... more thanksgiving!

We are in the midst of a rain storm and some much needed rain as I begin this blog.  In one of my last blogs, I was crying out for spring or some promise of a soon to come spring.  Today it was 87 degrees and very humid and now it is storming.  But we also have been having warnings of fire danger since things are so dry.  It seems that we have passed right by spring and into our typical summer stormy season.  Sigh.  But, as I said, we really need this rain.  The trees and flowers need it.  The farmers need it.  All of us really need a bit of springtime rain.  I am so thankful for blooming flowers and trees and warmer weather.  Yes, this past couple of weeks have been thankful weeks for me.  

I was telling some friends today that Ellie asked me to accompany her to her dentist appointment this week.  I had previously gone with Gwen to take both Ellie and Anna to have a filling.  Gwen wanted to stay with Anna and she didn't know how Ellie would be without her.  So I willing went and sat in a chair in the corner while Ellie had her filling.  This time Gwen would have been able to go with Ellie, but she asked me to come with her instead.  While this might seem a bit strange to some people, knowing that Ellie trusts me and know that she can count on me - even in scary and hard situations - is really a special thing.  I have blogged in the past about how close I feel to the grandchildren.  I don't know if I have really thought through how they feel about me.  I was a privilege to take Ellie for her second filling.  She didn't even seem nervous during this visit and their dentist does a great job with the kids.  The hygienist noticed that Ellie didn't have her "bunny" with her (this is her special security item) and she said "Oh, I see you brought your Grandma instead!"  I thought that was really nice.    I don't think Ellie realizes how much it means to me that she wanted me to sit in the chair in the corner during her appointment. What a blessing for me to be able to be a part of these little things with them.

Several months ago, I had purchased a Groupon for a bounce place.  Gwen and I thought it would be a good idea to visit BEFORE school let out for the summer.  So we spent a great morning letting the kids jump to their hearts content.  There was hardly anyone in the place, so these four cuties had it mostly to themselves.  Anna managed to get me to jump, something I would never have done if there were more people in the place!  And I am so thankful for this time just celebrating JOY and FUN with them.  Afterward, Ken joined us all for lunch.  What a wonderful time together.  Really, you can't beat a great Portillo's lunch (anyone from the Chicago area will agree) with those you love.

At the end of that day, Gwen and the kids came to a Photography Exhibit where Ken had three photos on display.  That beautiful pink tulip is one of Ken's photos.  The kids had a great time.  They are very thoughtful when looking at art of any kind.  I am so thankful that Gwen and Tim have always taken them to art museums.  They were all engaged and thoughtful as we looked at every photograph on display.  They each had their favorites and especially loved the photographs of animals.  Even after such a long day, they sure made both Ken and I proud.  It poured rain on the opening of the event and the artist reception.  In spite of the rain and very cold weather, so many people came to view the photos and greet the photographers.  The building was packed with people.  The exhibit continued for the entire weekend and over 800 people viewed the work of these talented photographers.  I am so thankful that in this transitional time of retirement, Ken has found a wonderful hobby with great opportunities, and wonderful friends.  

I snapped this very (unprofessional Iphone) photo of this Japanese Magnolia Tree blossom, that is right near the parking lot we used for this exhibit.  I was just so enamored with the beautiful purple buds right in front of my eyes, on each trip to the event.  I was stunned by how amazing each bud was.  Some of the buds were still tightly closed (it was only 34 degrees on the first night of the exhibit!) but there were a few that were more open.  Such a picture of the hope of springtime to come.  A bud poised to open when the rains come and the temperatures increase.  I am so thankful for the creation that surround us.  In every season of God's handiwork, there are pictures of the promises of God for us.  There is hope in the buds on that tree.  A promise of beauty to come.

So, as the rains are falling tonight, with thunder and lightning, and the air conditioning is running (since it is still in the 80's), I am filled with so much thankfulness.  I have been reminded more than once that thankfulness is more about perspective than anything else.  After looking back at the words on this page, that sure seems true!  While Ellie's need for a filling in her tooth is not a "thankful" thing, I am so thankful that she knows I love her!  And I am thankful that we have ready access to good dental care.  Ken being out of work before he was really ready to retire could have been a really bad thing.  But I am so thankful that he gets to spend more time with our family because he is not working.  And he had time to prepare for this wonderful photo exhibit that, most likely, would not have happened if he were still employed.  Yep, I'm thankful for retirement!  Finally, I am so thankful for spring this year.  It has been a long, long, dark winter.  Everyone of us needed the blue sky and warm weather that we have had the last week.  Even the rain is a welcome reminder that spring is truly upon us.  

I stepped out into the rain for just a minute this afternoon and it was wonderful.  The air was warm and the rain was softly falling.  The sun was sort of peeking out from behind the clouds.  It was one of those moments when you just know that you are blessed.  And very thankful.

Jesus, thank you for the wonders of creation.  Holy Spirit, thank you for raining down your presence on us every day in every season.  Give us all eyes to see the things we can be thankful for - even in those really tough situations.  Thank you for rivers of living water that refresh and renew us all.  Amen

Back to my routine........

We got back from vacation and spent the weekend catching up.  You know... unpacking, laundry, shopping, etc.  Yesterday I spent the day with Gwen and the kids.  Even though it was a short vacation, I really missed them.  Today I was back at work with my little twins.  They spent a great deal of time today watching it "rain" leaves from the many, many oak trees in their yard and also watching it actually rain!  Like always, it is good to go away but it is also good to be back to the normal routine.

I have been in a bit of a "funk" over the last few days.  At least as far as this blog goes.  I passed by some dates that would have usually inspired blogs, especially my mom and dad's wedding anniversary.  They got married 79 years ago on October 25, 1936.  Today as I sat watching my little buddies longingly looking out that window, I was remembering a long ago dream I had.

Many years ago I remember thinking that most of my life, I was just looking through a window at a big party taking place inside.  And I was not invited.  There were lots of reasons that I felt this way, and it is not necessary to go into that today.  I am sure most of you can relate.  Don't we all have times and situations that leave us feeling like an "outsider"?  It was a dark, dreary time for me.  But then I had this dream..... I was in that familiar place outside of what looked like an amazing party. Suddenly Jesus was standing there with me and he asked me why I was so sad.  I remember trying to explain how I was feeling.  At that moment Jesus spoke a life-changing lesson to me.  It was so simple and short.  "BE CONTENT WITH ME"!  Of course it didn't take me long to realize that Jesus was OUTSIDE of that party and standing there with me.   The party didn't seem quite as wonderful when I put that information into the mix.  The grass is NOT greener on the other side of the fence. That feeling of not fitting in and/or not belonging is not from Jesus or the Holy Spirit.  It is just another way that satan works on our emotions to bring us down.

It is interesting how quickly I could forget this message.  Rather than thinking about all of the positive and wonderful things in my life, I was choosing to focus on what is missing.  Being away for a short time does make the routine seem a bit dull when you return.  So I am going to shake off this funk and make a choice to share some of the wonders from my time away....

*Jesus reminded me because we have the Holy Spirit, we can depend on "warning flags" to keep us out of dangerous situations!  (This was in response to those Red Flagged/Purple flagged days on the beach).  Wow....this is such a great reminder. And I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit!

*As I was sitting in the very chilly early morning pre-dawn, waiting for the sunrise, I was reminded that the sun rises every day....  and when the sun rises... it does warm up!  And I am thankful for that.

*It was very windy..... but boy, the Holy Spirit is often seen as blowing in and or over us!

*Listening to the waves crashing on the shore, all I could think about was the immense power of God.  It was his idea and the spoken word, empowered by the Holy Spirit that everything came into being.

Yes, it is much easier to be content when you  take a minute to run through some wonderful things.  In addition to the wonderful things, remembering that Jesus is standing right here with me is really all I need.

If you have felt a bit down lately, take it from me,  if you have Jesus next to you, you are in the right place.  Don't let the thought of what is outside that window distract you from the truth.  The truth is, with Jesus everything is really okay.  With Jesus and the Holy Spirit you are in exactly the right place.

Jesus thank you for another reminder of this great lesson.  Thank you for vacations and also routines at home.  Holy Spirit, thank you that we can count on you to warn us about hidden dangers.  Help us all keep our thoughts on the wonders all around us.  Amen

More birthday surprises..... and more insight from last night

Today I am starting my blog with my grateful items!  I have been so surprised to get several birthday cards in the mail!  Today I got this darling card from my sister Julie.  I love this sweet message that sisters belong to each other.  And, as Julie said on the inside of the card, even though we are far apart in distance, we are connected.  I couldn't help but think of Lia and Ellie (and I am sure Anna will join the mix as soon as she is a bit older).

This was the first day of school this year.  Yes, they do belong to each other.  This card and reminder from my sister Julie was just what I needed and made me feel connected to her, in spite of the miles that separate us.  So the cards are number 1 tonight, and sisters are number 2!  Yes, I am so thankful.  And my number 3 is the fresh from the garden tomatoes and green pepper that a friend gave me last week.  Tonight I made Ken's very favorite dish (Chicken Paprikash) with those yummy veggies!   

Okay, I mentioned that the speaker last night shared a bunch of thoughts that would have me thinking for a long time.   So I have decided to share my reflections as I go through these short little phrases that I noted.  Tonight.... "Don't fight where you are NOT called.  It is not your concern. Stay in your calling!"  I thought about my post recently after a friend asked me what I thought about the problems in the world.  I liked this answer!  I am not called to fret or worry about anything!  In fact we are told very clearly NOT to worry.  Or be concerned.  And I was thinking about how great this advise really is.  Any time that I think about getting involved in some kind of battle, I need to stop and ask myself if this is something that I have been CALLED to be involved with.  In thinking back over the last few issues that I have faced, there is at least one that I should just have left alone.  It was something that was outside of my calling - it should not have concerned me.  And even when I am feeling a bit unsure of exactly what my called is, I am fully aware of those things that are NOT my calling.  Wow!  That is such a freeing thought.  I am thinking about all of the issues that I do not have to be concerned about.  Yes, I can breathe out now.  

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that there are lots of things happening in the world that are NOT my concern.  Holy Spirit, help us all to know what and where are calling is so that we can fight the fights that we are supposed to.  Thank you for the words of wisdom that give us so much to think about.  Jesus, thank you for my sister and friends that blessed my birthday.  Amen

Hitting another milestone....and my gratitude journal

Well, Anna is hitting another milestone - she is sitting on her own.  It is really interesting to see how very different each of my grandchildren are.  Anna is very mobile at a much younger age than her siblings were.  She can get all over the room by scooting (sometimes backwards) but she moves!  What a joy it is to watch her grow and change.

And that brings me to my own milestone.....my birthday.  This week I turn 60.  I can't really believe that.  I don't feel 60.  It just doesn't seem possible.  I know that I am not alone in these feelings.  But still.....60?  How did this happen?  It's funny how a number can have such a big impact.  I am taking lots of deep breathes and reminding myself that it IS just a number.  And of course Ken reminded me that I have actually been living in my 60th year since LAST year, so now I am really entering my 61st year.  Sigh.

All of these special "anniversaries" that we celebrate are really important.  Those birthday and wedding and whatever anniversaries give us a reason to remember, recall and reflect on the important times in our life.  It is good to stay grounded in the passage of time and the provisions that God has given to us.  Yes, it is a time to get together with those we love and tell stories.  It is a time to share a part of our "oral tradition".  It is a time to share the little things.  And doesn't everyone love cake and ice cream?  I sure do! (Angle food cake and strawberries are my favorites).

I have been doing a "gratitude journal" for a few weeks.  I just take a few minutes each night and jot down a few things that I am especially grateful for on that day.  I have not set a certain number, but I am trying to see new and different things each day.  It is really a wonderful tool to help keep your eyes on Jesus and all that we have through His provision.  Here is my list for today.

1.  I am thankful for sunshine peeking through clouds.  Love, LOVE this!
2.  I am so grateful for old friends that just get me.
3.  Thankful for my microwave.  Cooked my entire dinner in the microwave tonight!

I have seen people being challenged on Facebook to share for 3 days 3 things that they are grateful for.  I have decided to make September my month of gratitude. And I challenge all of you reading this, to try this out.  It will be a real boost to look back on every little thing, that together becomes a whole lot of thankfulness.

Jesus, thank you for showing me my own need to BE grateful and thankful.  Thank you for celebrations that help us embrace those milestones of change.   Holy Spirit, thank you for your gentle reminders and whispers that remind us all of what is really important.  Amen

Day 30 - Thankful to be moving into December!

While I have enjoyed being thankful each day in November, I am really quite anxious to move into December.  With Thanksgiving so late this year, it feels like Christmas will be a bit rushed.  So I am starting today by celebrating Christmas each day of December. 

Today we put up our Christmas tree!  Over the last couple of years we have been using Ken's childhood "Genuine Aluminum Christmas Tree" from 1962.  We got it in the original box out of Ken's parents attic!  But last year our revolving light broke and we could not find a reasonably priced replacement.  Additionally, the tree was "shedding" small pieces of aluminum all over the ground.  Considering that it is 51 years old, this is not a big surprise.  So, we actually decided to get a replacement this year.  We decided to "down size" to a slightly smaller tree - it is 6 1/2 feet tall rather than 7 1/2 feet tall.  And at the last minute we discovered that we both kind of liked the white version of the tree we had chosen.  So, white it was!  I am very, very happy with it.  It fits perfectly, it was a snap to put up (pre-lit!) and it doesn't take up much room. 

 

I love putting my tree up.  From 1985 on, this was a part of our Thanksgiving weekend tradition.  My mom always came to our house for Thanksgiving and putting up the tree with Grandma Nona always made it feel like she was part of our Christmas celebration.  Neither Gwen or Doug ever got to celebrate Christmas with my mom - something that makes me feel sad.  And over the years, I greatly missed being with her on Christmas myself.  It is really hard to have so much distance and such bad weather keeping you apart.  Anyway..... the other tree that is currently in our attic is one of the last things that my mom used her Montgomery Wards discount to buy.  It was during her visit in 1998 that we purchased our first "slim tree".  So when we were considering putting that tree up, we knew that it has seen its better days.  Hence the new white tree!

 

So on this last day of November thankfulness, I am so thankful that I get to spend the holidays with my children and grandchildren.  And I am celebrating that we all live within 75 miles of each other.  This is a very big blessing and I don't want to forget to be thankful every day for this! 

 

Jesus, thank you for seasons and celebrations and festivals and lights.  Thank you for the Bible that allows us to know the story of your birth and gives us reason to enter into this month with great joy.  Holy Spirit, turn our hearts towards heaven and the story of the birth of Jesus.  Help us to see past the secular and the Santa and to celebrate the amazing gift Yahweh gave us - his Son, Jesus.  Amen

 



Day 28 and 29 - Just plain thankful!

It's been a busy couple of days.   Yesterday was Thanksgiving at our house.  A good time was had by all!  As my status update yesterday said..... Thankful for Family, Food and Fun!. 

With everyone assembled at our house, we didn't really do much.  We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (actually we watched it twice - it was rebroadcast and the kids wanted to watch again!).  We snacked and looked at all the Black Friday sale ads and made our lists.  And we ate turkey, of course!  We also got to play many, many games of "Thanksgiving Bingo"!  This was a fun and easy version that Gwen found on Pintrest.  It kept all of us busy for many hours.  It took me over 15 games to finally win one, but it was great fun.  By 3:00pm the turkey was eaten, the dishes were done, the lists were assembled.  At 3:30pm, Gwen and I headed out to our first store. 

Now I know that shopping on Thanksgiving day is controversial this year.  But let me just say that Gwen and I anticipate and long for this day for the entire year.  It is one of the best times that we have together.  I am a bit confused about the drama of "working" on this particular day since Policemen, Fireman, Bus Drivers, Pilots, Taxi Drivers, Doctors, Nurses (and many other people) ALWAYS have to work on these days. So, really, whats the big deal? But, on with my story.

This year Gwen and I did three stores (Michaels, Walmart and Target).  We got everything on our lists, never waited outside in a line (it was only 20 so it would have been COLD!), and were home by 8:30pm!  We then were able to be in bed by 10:00. (As a side note, Gwen didn't really get much sleep. With three kids and a dog, plus two adults in one room......well, you get the picture.  Add to that, she is about 30 weeks pregnant).  So, since we were up at 5:30am, we left for part two of our adventure.  We managed to hit two more stores and the outlet mall and were home by 9:45am.  Again, got everything on our lists and never waited in a line in the cold.  Yep, I'd say we have lots to be thankful for!  

Now, for today's thankfulness.........  I am very thankful for Chandler, the dog!  Chandler is Gwen and Tim's dog.  A very sweet beagle that they rescued.  I was in the back yard walking Chandler this afternoon when I happened to notice something laying in the park quite a ways down a hill from our yard.  I walked down, grabbed what turned out to be a  piece of siding and turned around to look up at our house (not a view that we normally have) and was stunned to see a hunk of siding ripped off of the side of our house!  Yep that wind last week must have broken it loose and Wednesday's gusts must have torn it off.  So, right now I am so thankful that Chandler was visiting and that I decided to walk back there with him.  Because of that, I have the piece of siding.  We were able to call some local people and we hope to get this fixed quickly.   I am doubly thankful that I found that piece of siding.  Our house is 36 years old and I know that they would never match this old stuff.  Most likely a re-siding job is also in our future, but for now, greatly thankful!

Yes, a very busy couple of days filled with gratitude at every turn.

Jesus, thank you for the times we have to stop and really notice all of the things that we have to be thankful for.  Holy Spirit, thank you for the prompting to step outside and watch Chandler and enjoy the crisp sunny day AND find the siding.  Jesus you are an amazing provider and I am so grateful for all the different ways that you provided for my family in the last couple of days.  Thank you for all the people who worked on this Thanksgiving.  Pour out your blessings on them and their families as they celebrate Thanksgiving on some other day or time.  What an amazing God you are to help us in every way - big and small.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen

Day 26 - Thankful for good health - Part 1

As I have been sharing about various Thanksgivings from years past, I decided I had to blog about Thanksgiving 1972.  I was 18 years old and living at home.  Ken and I were already dating and I was a college student at a local community college.  And I was working at Walgreens.  Each of these facts is important in my telling the story of Thanksgiving in 1972. 

Let me set the stage.... I was a new college student (my first semester) and I was working a lot of hours at Walgreens.  They had just started being open until Midnight and I frequently worked 3pm till Midnight.  And I was dating Ken.  Each of these things led to me not getting much sleep and being pretty stressed.  I had been feeling sick most of October and had already completed several rounds of antibiotics and was still under the weather.  I remember well when the doctor said that I needed to have some blood tests because he suspected that there was something else wrong with me.  Now let me say that I had just recently lost a cousin to Leukemia and when the doctor suggested that my symptoms might be that serious..............we were worried.  So when we received that phone call from the doctor telling me that I had Mononucleosis, we were relieved!!!  Although serious, it was not life threatening.  I remember the day of that phone call very well.  I called my boss and told him I didn't know when I would be returning to work and I called my counselor at college and gave them the same line.  The college wasn't very worried.  They assured me that I could catch up on all my work (which did not happen).  But my boss............well my Walgreens story is one for another blog.  He indicated that I might not have a job when I recovered.  I thought this was really unbelievable since he was a Pharmacist and knew about these things! After these calls were made, I gladly climbed into bed and fell asleep.  I don't remember ever feeling THAT tired!  That was on a Thursday, a week before Thanksgiving.  I have been told that I actually got up for Thanksgiving dinner, but I really don't remember it.  The first thing I really remember is on the Sunday after Thanksgiving - the 26th.  I actually stayed awake to watch a Disney special on TV!  And I finally felt like I was going to be okay.  It was truly a thankful thanksgiving for me (and my parents)!

I hadn't thought about this story for a very long time.  Today as I was thinking about it, I had such a feeling of peace and joy.  Even though, as the time, I didn't really think about the fact that Jesus was the healer and the protector for me, NOW I know that he was totally responsible for my restoration.  And I can even see the working of the Holy Spirit in the path that this illness caused me to walk.  By February of the next year, my life had taken a very different direction.  I was no longer in college and I was working a 9-5 full time secretarial job (which I had for the next 5 years). 

Yes, it was an interesting and very thankful Thanksgiving for me. 

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that you were working in my life, even when I wasn't aware of your presence.  Thank you for restoring me to good health and for providing exactly what I needed at that time.  Thank you for my mom and dad, and their provision for me during this illness. Holy Spirit thank you for helping me to walk on the path that brought me into my destiny.  Amen

***Watch for my blog tomorrow for another Thanksgiving story of restoration!*****

(My Walgreens story is really very interesting.  I promise to share that story sometime in the very near future.)

Day 25 - Thankful for Oreo Cookies.....and fun with little ones

 

So today I am thankful for Oreo Cookies and all of those smart people who come up with cute, creative ideas to turn a plain old Oreo into a turkey, in honor of Thanksgiving!

I got to help 16 little three year olds create these cute little turkeys to take home.  Ours looked a bit different.  They had a Whopper for the head that was "glued" on with frosting.  The eyes were supposed to work with frosting, but it seemed to just end up being a huge pool of frosting with two tiny eyes.  Then we used frosting pens to make the beak and waddle.  Messy, but you got the general idea.  The most important thing was that the kids were so excited to create these turkeys.  How could you not be thankful when you saw those little faces just light up when they saw their finished projects. 

 

The best part of this project was listening to the kids tell me what they were thankful for.  I asked each one to share as they were making their turkey.  I heard lots of "Mommy and Daddy" and a few said "toys".  There were a couple who didn't have anything to say (quite honestly, we have some with limited English so I don't think they really understood what I was asking).  And then there were two with special 'thankful for" things.  One little girl said "Teacher Ms. Jackie", who is the lead teacher in this classroom.  How sweet!  This girl has a special relationship to Ms. Jackie and you could tell that she really is thankful for her.  And then there was my favorite of the day.  A little boy that also has some language barrier but does speak English.  He is often seen as a bit of a trouble maker, but I have seen what a sweet boy he really is. He gives great hugs and often comes up and stands by me.  When I asked what he was thankful for, he wrinkled up his face, thoughtfully put his finger on his lip, then broke out in a huge smile and said, "YOU!"   

 

No further words are necessary today.  Yes, I am thankful for Oreos, time making Oreo turkeys, and sweet little Duvod. 

 

Jesus, thank you so much for today.  Thank you for your provision of this job for me.  You knew that this was just what I needed.  Holy Spirit, continue to speak thankfulness into all of our hearts.  Help us to see all the things in our life - big and small - that we should appreciate.  Jesus, bless all of these sweet children and their families.  Help me to continue to be thankful every day!  Amen 

Day Four - So thankful for Ken

Okay, this is probably sort of a no-brainer.  But today I am sooooooo thankful for Ken.  This is a VERY OLD picture of us, back in the "good old days" when we were young and just married.  I am sure that you can guess the date, just by looking at our hair styles and clothes!  At any rate, today I have just been thinking about how good it is to remember what a blessing Ken is to me.  The fact that we ended up together is kind of amazing.  We went to the same high school (Elk Grove) and Ken was one year ahead of me.  We had many, many common friends and frequently attended parties and events at the same time.  I had one good friend who told me over and over, how much she wanted to date Ken.  He was "older" and more importantly, he had his own car.  Now I didn't think very much of Ken in high school.  And I told my friend over and over that there is no way that dating Ken was a good idea.  Nevertheless, after both of us were out of high school, we connected again at a party at a mutual friends house.  We really hit it off and, as they say, the rest is history. 
I've been thinking about God's plan for me that included Ken.  Wow, does he know what he is doing!  Even though we certainly don't agree on many things, we are really good at compromise.   I am thankful that Ken has encouraged me to go places and try things that I most likely would not ever have done.  Quite frankly, I never imaged that I would Kayak.  Yet, because Ken wanted to try this out, I agreed.  And let me tell you those Kayaks have given me adventures that I never would have had!  I mean really, how many people get to be in a kayak lifted out of the water by a Manatee? I am so looking forward to the years ahead. I am so thankful for the wisdom that Ken has, and the support that he has given me over the years regarding my work.  Just today, during a very challenging day on my new job, I was thinking about Ken's words to me.  He has assured me that if this job doesn't work out, it will be okay!  Something else will always come and I do not have to stay in a job that I don't want.  That is so freeing for me.  And I know that many people don't get that kind of support from their spouses.  I am so thankful!!!   I love the way that we laugh at the same things and can find something funny in almost anything.   (Aside to Ken..... I am still laughing about the "sleevies").   All this is to say that Jesus knew exactly who I needed.  I am so thankful  for his great plan that included giving Ken to me.

Jesus, thank you for knowing me so well and also knowing exactly the right person for me to spend my life with.  Holy Spirit, remind all reading this blog to be thankful for the people you have given them.  And Jesus, thank you for the opportunity to express my gratitude over this month!  Amen